The neglected sociobehavioral risk factors of low birth weight

Background: Low Birth Weight (LBW) is one of the most important health indicators in the world. It has certain known and unknown causes. The present study was designed to evaluate the role of socio-behavioral factors on neonatal birth weight.Methods: The current case-control study was conducted on ۳۰۰ eligible neonates (۱۵۰ LBW infants as cases and ۱۵۰ normal body weight infants as controls) in ۲۰۱۵. The national pregnancy care forms of the neonates kept in heath care centers in Kerman were used. The data was analyzed running Independent samples t-test, Chi square test, and Fisher’s Exact test in SPSS. The significance level was set as ۰.۰۵.Results: Preterm birth (P<۰.۰۰۱), number of primary care during pregnancy (P=۰.۰۰۱), mother’s age (P=۰.۰۴۹), consumption of supplements during pregnancy (P=۰.۰۳), and history of substance abuse in mothers (P=۰.۰۳) were found to have significant roles in having LBW neonate.Conclusion: Identifying the sociobehavioral risk factors of Preterm labor and modifying them to prevent preterm birth are essential approaches to prevent LBW. Governments should pay special attention to nutritional status of teenage and young girls to have healthy mothers and babies in the future. Women of childbearing age should be screened and educated about risky behaviors. Pregnancy care and support should be delivered to all pregnant women according to the standard methods.